With protests by various groups scheduled in Evansville Saturday, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and City Council President Alex Burton held a news conference Friday morning urging calm in the city.
Speaking on the steps of the Civic Center with barricades now blocking access to the parking lot and building, Mayor Winnecke says they want to make sure residents know that peaceful protests will be allowed in Evansville this weekend.
“Everyone’s following social media posts, rumors are rampant," the mayor says, "We just felt it was important to come out in the unified manner and say that protesting and demonstrating is good. Anything other than that is not good and won’t be tolerated.”
Councilman Burton called on all residents to help in needed change in the city.
“To the allies who do not share my black skin, this moment is not about you. In this moment, I urge you to use your privilege to amplify the black voice.”
Burton says he hopes that Evansville will continue to set an example of cooperation for others to follow.